Map: How the Thomas Fire Grew Into One of California’s Largest Wildfires

This map shows the advance of the Thomas fire through Dec. 16

By Jonathan Lloyd •Published December 19, 2017•Updated on April 11, 2019 at 12:01 pm

Ventura County Fire Department

The Thomas fire started Dec. 4 in Ventura County. Fanned by strong and shifting wind gusts, the fire grew quickly during its first 24 hours and eventually became the largest wildfire on record in California.

The map above shows the fire's progression through Dec. 20. It quickly burned more than 63,000 acres through Dec. 5. Dark green shades indicate the first days of the firefight. The fire then flared up Dec. 10, burning nearly 61,000 acres.

As of Dec. 19, the fire burned more than 271,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. It grew to nearly 282,000 acres and was contained Jan. 12.